A 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist from Engagement to Altar
As the famous poet Robert Browning once said, “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” For many couples, getting married is a celebration of their love and commitment to each other, and planning the perfect wedding can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But let’s face it – with so many details to consider, from the guest list to the flowers to the catering, wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
We want to help you create the wedding of your dreams without stress and confusion. In this blog post, we’ve put together a comprehensive 12-month wedding planning checklist that covers everything from pre-wedding preparations to your special day itself.
So, let’s get started on this exciting journey towards your big day!
How to Organise Your Dream Wedding?
We crafted a detailed wedding planning checklist that covers everything from the pre-wedding preparations to your special day itself to help you remain on top of everything.
Since the wedding is the dream moment in your life, you will definitely have some wishes. Therefore, share your dream wedding with your partner and then make a plan together.
- Arrange a meeting with your better half and discuss your ideas for the wedding ceremony.
- Set up a budget.
- Before choosing the venue, you should first plan the guest list. Getting an approximate number of guests will definitely help you plan the feast.
- Choose the exact wedding dates so that the important guests can participate.
- Find your dream wedding venues and ceremony locations.
- Discuss the wedding events to be performed on your D-day with your partner.
- After the detailed discussion, you need to organise a wise monthly plan.
- Successful wedding planning ultimately results in a beautiful and memorable event that brings loved ones together to celebrate the start of their new lives.
Here are some important wedding plans that will help you make your special day memorable.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
A Wedding Planning Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide
A perfect wedding ceremony can be organised with long-term planning and commitment.
If you fix your wedding within six months or one year, then try our detailed month-wise wedding-planning checklist, and then you can properly schedule everything else.
12-10 Months Prior to the Wedding
- Do research on the best wedding venue, then find and fix the best one that meets your vision.
- Find the best wedding planners and suppliers as per your budget, such as photographers, stylists, cake makers, musicians, etc.
- Plan for the events and entertainment for the wedding celebrations, like dancing and music at the reception.
- Research on wedding photographers and videographers
- Make your vision board for decor, outfits, florals, etc.
- Do research on your wedding dress and customise the design if you prefer.
- Enlist any skilled and expert friends or family members with aspects of the wedding for making cake, musicians, etc.
- Update and recreate your heirloom accessories.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
10-8 Months Prior to the Wedding
- Find the best wedding dress stylist and order your dream wedding dress. This helps you get the perfect wedding outfit, and you can customise the add-ons too.
- Book musicians and dancers for your ceremony.
- Plan your honeymoon location and make an effort to clear all documentation for it.
- Plan your hen or stag parties with your friends.
- Create a theme and design for your wedding ceremony.
- Fix the invitation card and make a list of long-distance guests.
- Book a wedding planner, photographer, music band, caterer, etc.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
8-6 Months Prior to the Wedding
- Book accommodations with all amenities for guests.
- Create candid engagement photos.
- Choose and customise wedding rings.
- Book the venue for the rehearsal dinner.
- If you are going to plan your wedding without any agency, then book the rental items, such as chairs, draping, cake tables, a dance floor, a customised aisle, etc.
- Hire an official to coordinate all events.
- Check the latest trends and discuss all these with the respective officials.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
Read more:
- 10 Types of Destination Wedding Venues – Complete Guide
- Beach Wedding Plan: 9 Steps to Curate Your Ideal Beach Wedding Experience
- Engagement Party Planning Checklist: 12 Steps You Can’t Afford to Miss
- Exploring Wedding Destinations in Turkey – 6 Cities and 25 Wedding Venues
- Wedding Planner Vs. Wedding Coordinator: A Comparison of Their Roles and Responsibilities(Infographics)
6-4 Months Prior to the Wedding
- Arrange and book the transportation for guests.
- Book special and luxury cars for newlyweds.
- Shop the suits or tuxedos for the groom.
- Start attending premarital counseling sessions.
- Choose and fix the wedding cake design.
- Hair and makeup trials for bride and groom
- Check with your priest about the religious ceremony and create booklets if any.
- Do a health checkup and take vaccinations if needed.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
3-2 Months Prior to the Wedding
- Book and hire a calligrapher for your wedding.
- Arrange a meeting with the caterer to taste the menus.
- Rent or book a photo booth for better photographs.
- Create your vows.
- Arrange a final meeting with officials and ensure all arrangements are well organised.
- Craft the DIY items for your wedding.
- Start inviting the guests and send out wedding invitation cards.
- Check the fitting for the first dress.
- Arrange a floral mock-up with your stylist.
- Enlist the small items, like a cake knife, table toppers, ring bearer accessories, etc., to be purchased.
- Plan and buy gifts for friends and family members.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
4 Weeks Prior to the Wedding
- Pay full settlements to all vendors.
- Create arrangements for seating or tables.
- Create escort cards and other place cards.
- Arrange a rehearsal for walking through the aisle.
- Book a special homestay for your first night.
- Complete all shopping for the honeymoon.
- Start preparing for grooming.
- Give instructions to wedding photographers about the important shot lists.
- Do a rehearsal with a wedding dress, from inners to veil.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
1 Week Prior to the Wedding
- Be prepared with gift boxes, suitcases, and other bags that contain special gifts.
- Check the table plan once again and rearrange it if necessary.
- Check the final fitting and press the outfit.
- Confirm the time with the wedding car company for pickup.
- Arrange a last-minute meeting with all vendors.
- Enlist all important contact details and give them to the main officials.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
On the Wedding Day
- Stay away from all the wedding planning parts.
- Eat healthy food and drink enough food.
- Take your necessary things in the bag, including a dress, veil, rings, etc.
- Arrange all the items to be captured in the wedding photos.
- Keep the vow and other notes with you.
- Share your happiness and gratitude with everyone around you.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
Be Prepared for Your Dream Wedding with the Perfect Wedding Planning Checklist
A perfect ceremony can happen only with proper planning from beginning to end.
From setting a budget to choosing the perfect venue, selecting the right vendors, and picking out the perfect dress, this checklist covers everything you need to do before your big day.
So, you can relax and enjoy your dream wedding. With this checklist as your guide, you can be confident that you’ll have a perfect wedding day that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
Plan Your Stress-Free Wedding with LuxAus
If you’re planning a traditional wedding or a contemporary celebration, LuxAus has the expertise and resources to make your dream wedding a reality.
Being the best wedding planner in Sydney, they offer destination weddings, multicultural weddings , and various personalized and custom experiences. Visit us for a unique, memorable, and stress-free wedding plan.